Upton County Disaster Risk
Upton County, Texas
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
8th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#223
of 254 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
7th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 45% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 17% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 7% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Upton County, Texas
Upton County Among Safest in Nation
Upton County scores just 7.67 on the composite risk index, placing it among the lowest-risk counties nationally and well below the U.S. average. The very low risk rating indicates minimal exposure to major natural disasters, though localized preparedness remains prudent.
Texas's Safest County
At 7.67, Upton County is far below Texas's state average of 49.00 and represents one of the state's safest regions for natural disaster risk. The county's remote West Texas location and arid climate create inherently low exposure to flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
Dramatically Safer Than Regional Peers
Upton County's 7.67 score is a fraction of neighboring Tom Green County (77.32) and Uvalde County (70.04), making it a hazard outlier in West Texas. The county's isolation and sparse population density further reduce disaster risk compared to more developed regional areas.
Minimal Disaster Risk Overall
Wildfire risk (45.01) is the county's highest hazard, though still well below state and national averages, followed by minimal tornado (16.54) and hurricane exposure (16.40). Earthquake and flood risks are negligible, creating one of Texas's most stable disaster environments.
Standard Insurance Provides Adequate Protection
A standard homeowners policy covers most disaster scenarios in Upton County, though verifying coverage limits and deductibles remains wise practice. Focus on routine home maintenance and basic emergency preparedness rather than specialized disaster hardening, and maintain awareness of wildfire conditions during hot, dry summers.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Upton County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Upton County
Risk Verdict
Upton County's natural disaster risk is among the lowest in the country, with a composite score at the 8th percentile nationally. Upton County residents can take confidence from a 8th percentile ranking, but even lower-risk counties benefit from a practiced household communication plan and awareness of the specific hazards listed above.
Hazard Breakdown
Wildfire risk is Upton County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 45th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Tornado ranks second at the 17th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include hurricane (16th percentile), earthquake (7th percentile), flood (7th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Wildfire is Upton County's top-ranked natural hazard at the 45th percentile nationally. Upton County residents should assess whether their property lies within or adjacent to a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, where ember transport and rapid spread pose the highest risk. A secondary tornado exposure at the 17th percentile nationally means Upton County residents face hazards from two distinct natural peril categories during different seasons. For Upton County households, a practiced evacuation plan — with a primary and backup route designated before a fire occurs — provides more protection than any structural improvement when a wildfire approaches fast-moving terrain.
Regional Context
The Texas county average exceeds Upton County's score by 41.3 composite points — placing this county in the lower-risk tier relative to its in-state peers.
Is your household prepared for Upton County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Upton County, TX?
What types of natural hazards affect Upton County?
How does Upton County risk compare to the Texas average?
Is Upton County at risk for wildfire?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Upton County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.